Radnor

Peter Malindine’s * wife, Valerie, was born in Hawthorn Cottage, Radnor Road, Scorrier in 1932 and remembers being taken to Radnor Bible Christian Chapel Sunday school events, by farmer Will Snell in his pony and Jingle. (* For more about Peter Malindine see Silverwell)

 

Rame

1918: Rame with the “Stuff to Give ‘Em Band” (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

 

Redruth

Fore Street United Methodist Free Chapel – (Flowerpot Chapel) constructed in 1865 and destroyed by fire in 1973. Note the fine cast iron entrance gates and railings, the two side posts of which are still in situ today. The chapel has a commanding presence, while just to its right can be glimpsed the large Sunday School building attached to the chapel which was not so frequently photographed.” (David Thomas)

In 1827, Redruth Sunday School Union, was a huge event. It involved 1900 children and teachers, but the outside activities had to be abandoned due to bad weather and tea and cake was taken in the Methodist chapel. ⁽¹⁾

The bands of the Redruth Rifle Corps and the Hayle Artillery led a tea treat procession of 500 children and teachers in Redruth in July 1880. The large gathering paraded the town and ended up in “Silver Field,” owned by the Redruth Brewery Company. Luckily, the hay had been gathered in time.

1884: “Redruth Highway Primitive Methodist Sunday School annual treat was held on Saturday. Prior to the tea, the members of the school walked to Redruth. Lelant Brass Band was in attendance. The usual games were supplemented by foot racing, for small prizes. …” (8 August 1884 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1889: “… scholars met at the schoolroom at 1.30 p.m., and after being marshalled in procession (girls 208, boys 170), headed by the Brea Brass Band, promenaded the principal streets, afterwards proceeding to the Silver Field, where the tea was held.” (1 August 1889 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1899: “The annual tea-treat of Redruth Primitive Methodist Sunday-school, one of the largest in the town, was held on Thursday at Penventon, kindly lent by Mr A. Carkeek. Penzance Town and Season Band was in attendance. During the evening, the usual games were indulged in by the teachers and scholars.” (4 August 1899 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1899: “Redruth Town Mission … provided at Penventon by permission of Mr Arthur Carkeek. The school was favoured with glorious weather. Camborne Town Band attended. After parading the principal streets of the town, the procession wended its way to the grounds where tea was partaken of …” (21 July 1899 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

Circa 1904 annual Tea Treat parade of the Redruth Wesleyan chapel. Illogan Churchtown photographer Edward Albert Bragg has positioned himself in an upstairs window in Penryn Street to record the long procession as it passes by. The parade has almost reached the bottom of Station Hill and the Redruth Baptist chapel is just out of shot to the right. A team of six older lads are in charge of the banner, with two carrying the heavy poles and four on the guide ropes, two in front and two behind. In the centre is the Minister of the chapel, with his walking stick and deep dog collar, with the Sunday School Superintendents on either side. Following on is the hired band for the day and behind them yet again a part of the girls’ section of the procession. The boys are totally out of shot as they bring up the rear, this parade easily including several hundred children and teachers. These postcard views are a moment in time captured for ever by the medium of the camera and they also have a very human touch to them. The music of the band has attracted a crowd of mostly younger followers who are walking on the pavement on the left and will probably follow the procession to its destination to see what’s on. The bit I like most though is the boy with the banner pole on the right who is glancing anxiously upwards. He has probably realised that the banner is not quite level or straight. The lad on the left does seem to be holding his pole a little higher. Some corrective measures were no doubt taken just afterwards. (David Thomas)

1904: Redruth Sunday School Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Paul Phillips)

1904: Station Hill, Tea Treat procession (Photo: E A Bragg)

The United Methodist Free Church chapel at Redruth, affectionately known as ‘Flower Pot’ chapel. The day is Thursday 14^th July 1904 and Illogan Churchtown photographer E A Bragg has turned out to record the events of the annual tea treat or ‘field day’. He has positioned his camera in an elevated position at the junction of Sparnon Hill and Clinton Road to record the procession as it passes by, en route to Penventon. A large part of it has already passed his camera and what we are looking at is the band in the middle of the parade, just between the junior male Sunday School scholars and the young men of the Sunday School. Let it be clearly understood that the entire procession was so immensely long, with many hundreds attending, that two hired bands were needed for musical accompaniment, one at the head, behind the chapel banner, and this one in the middle. The Free Methodists certainly put on a grand show to outdo the rival Wesleyan chapel by the railway station, which they probably did! Flower Pot was the dominant chapel in the town and the second largest in Cornwall, after St Just Wesleyan. Right behind the band as it turns the corner is the male Sunday School Superintendent with top hat, with other leaders, while behind come the young lads in their classes. It is striking that one of the teachers right in the middle of the picture is clearly wearing a morning coat as he proudly parades at the head of his group. At the top left of the photo is the roof of St Andrew’s church. There probably wasn’t an event like this ever to be seen anywhere else in Cornwall and it probably had few, if any, rivals in the western parts of Britain. (David Thomas)

Bragg returned again a year later on Thursday 13^th July 1905 to record the United Methodist great cavalcade once again but this time he positioned his glass plate camera at the cross roads at the bottom of Fore Street, looking south along Penryn Street towards the Baptist chapel and our second picture is one of a set that he took from this position, showing the older girls of the Sunday School parading in all their Edwardian finery. One cannot see the end of even this female section in the distance. It was obviously a very fine day as one of the bystanders on the left has a parasol. (David Thomas)

1905:  United Methodist Free Church, in the grounds of Penventon House (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley)

This photograph was taken on the 13^th July 1905 and shows a Sunday School group posing at journey’s end, outside the portico of Penventon House at West End with the Sunday School banner. The lad towards the right proudly poses, holding one of the banner guide ropes. I expect that such a day was eagerly anticipated by all the young people involved, one they would remember for the rest of their lives, including the large tea treat bun and the bottle of pop they would have all received. The simple pleasures of life. The older people would have also gained enjoyment from the music provided by the bands before the buns were given out. (David Thomas)

1908: Treruffe Chapel Tea Treat parade heading up Falmouth Road with Redruth Band (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley)

1911: Redruth Fore Street United Methodist Sunday School marching down Park Road into Clinton Road (Photo: courtesy David Wilson)

“In 1863 the Bible Christians built a substantial chapel on Treruffe Hill on the southern side of the town, which still stands today, but is converted into residential accommodation. The chapel became a United Methodist Church in 1907 and a Methodist Church in 1932 but in its time as a Bible Christian chapel was at various periods part of the Redruth Bible Christian Circuit or the Falmouth, Redruth and Camborne Bible Christian Circuit. The photograph is a postcard view by Kneebone of South Downs of the chapel’s Tea Treat procession in the summer of 1914, heading west along West End. The customary team of six lads are in charge of the banner while behind them is the hired band for the day and then the Sunday School scholars and teachers. Careful study of the image reveals that on the banner itself the words ‘United Methodist’ look much cleaner and newer than the rest of the banner’s fabric. They have probably been affixed over the original words of ‘Bible Christian’, following the creation of the United Methodist Church in 1907, upon a merger of the Bible Christians with the United Methodist Free Church to form the United Methodist Church. Treruffe Hill is a vanished part of Redruth’s Methodist past.” (David Thomas)

Redruth United Methodist Free Church (Photo: courtesy David Thomas)

“One of the features of Nonconformity was the large and colourful banners used at great chapel occasions such as the annual tea treat parade or procession. They were used ceremonially at the head of the procession, often accompanied by the Minister of the chapel and the Sunday School Superintendents and then followed by a band and the Sunday School scholars with their teachers. The two great rival chapels in Redruth, Wesley and Fore Street, both had such banners and used them on such occasions.
A large banner could be difficult to carry and control, especially in high winds and a team of six older lads was often used on such occasions. Two boys held the two main banner side poles, while four others acted as assistants with guide ropes (two in front and two behind). Carrying the chapel banner was an important task and a great privilege and on tea treat day a few silent prayers must have been offered that the wind would not be too high, making the task difficult!
Certainly in the Edwardian period Fore Street chapel tea treat was held in the grounds of Penventon House in West End, preceded by an immense procession through the town’s streets, including Clinton Road, Sparnon Hill, Falmouth Road and Penryn Street, with hundreds of scholars. It was well photographed by the local postcard photographers such as Bragg and Wotton in the pre-1914 period and there are marvellous sets of these cards in 1904, 1905 and 1906, with some later years represented. Our postcard picture below, by an unknown photographer, is probably from a slightly later period – and the presence of one gentleman in army uniform would suggest a probable date during the Great War of 1914-1918. The picture was probably taken in the grounds of Penventon, once the parade was over. Two of the lads are wearing sashes or holsters over their right shoulders and these would have contained cups to help support and control the heavy banner poles at a suitable height. The image could therefore represent the banner bearing team or a Bible Class group but it is a lovely picture of a vanished piece of Redruth social history from just over 100 years ago. The banner, which has some thick corded fringe, records the date of the commencement of the Fore Street Sunday School as 1838. (David Thomas 2020)

 

Rejerrah

1904: Rejerrah Sunday School Annual Treat: “… After taking their march, led by the Foxhole Brass Band, they returned for tea, after which a public tea was held, …” (7 April 1904 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1907: Rejerrah Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Derek Brooks)

1908: Rejerrah Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Derek Brooks)

1910: Rejerrah Band of Hope Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Maria Pritchard/Derek Brooks)

1910: Rejerrah Band of Hope Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Derek Brooks)

Rejerrah Band of Hope (Photo: courtesy Elizabeth Salmon/Derek Brooks)

Rejerrah Band of Hope (Photo: courtesy Elizabeth Salmon/Derek Brooks)

 

Relubbus

1932: “… A procession, headed by the superintendents Mrs. A. J. Crebo and Mr. Charles Allen and Penzance Silver Band, marched up and down the village to Relubbus Lane, and returned to the chapel, where buns and tea were served to the scholars. …” (30 June 1932 – Cornishman)

 

Rescorla

1900s: Rescorla Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy of Cornish Audio-Visual Archive but originally from Eric Johns who came from Rescorla)

Rescorla Band of Hope

 

Roche

Roche Sunday School Banner (Photo: courtesy David Thomas)

1882: Roche Wesleyan Sunday School: “… The weather being favourable, the chapel was crowded. On Tuesday the teachers and children, headed by the Queens Brass Band, paraded the town, after which they were regaled with tea and cake. …” (26 May 1882 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909 Wesleyan Methodist tea treat taken outside of the house called the Hollies at Roche (David Thomas)

 

Roscroggan

1875: “Roscroggan United Methodist Sunday School held its annual festival. The children and teachers walked in procession, headed by the Germoe Brass Band, through the principal streets of Camborne and returned to the school-room, where a plentiful supply of tea …” (19 June 1875 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1888: “The tea-treat at Roscroggan U.M. Sunday School was held on Saturday, when a very enjoyable time was spent. Pool Brass Band was in attendance and gave great satisfaction.” (30 June 1893 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

 

Rose near Perranporth

1912: Rose Wesleyan Sunday School: “… Rose Sunday School treat took place on Saturday afternoon. The scholars and officers paraded the village, headed by Summercourt Brass Band, and on their return the children were provided with buns and tea. …” (18 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

The historic Piran Round was called into use by Rose Sunday school when the children made the short journey to there to celebrate their annual event.

 

Roseworthy

1894: Roseworthy Tea Treat (Photo: W J Bennetts courtesy Paul Phillips)

1909: “Roseworthy. The annual treat was held on Monday in fine weather. The scholars headed by the Camborne Town Band, proceeded to Polstrong garden. A public tea was provided, which was largely attended, …” (15 July 1909 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

 

Ruan Minor

1912: “… the annual tea of Ruan Minor Band of Hope was held on Good Friday. In the afternoon a procession, headed by Grade and Ruan Minor Temperance Band, perambulated the village and Cadgwith and the members were afterwards provided with tea in the United Methodist Schoolroom …” (11 April 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1912: Ruan Wesleyan Sunday School: “… Subsequently a procession was formed and the neighbouring villages were perambulated. Grade and Ruan Minor Temperance Band taking the lead. Tea having been partaken of, a public meeting was held. …” (20 June 1912 – Cornishman)

 

Rumford and Talskiddy

1900s: Rumford and Talskiddy (Photo: courtesy Mike O’Connor)

1900s: Rumford and Talskiddy (Photo: courtesy Mike O’Connor)

1900s: Rumford and Talskiddy (Photo: courtesy Mike O’Connor)

1900s: Rumford and Talskiddy (Photo: courtesy Mike O’Connor)

1900s: Rumford and Talskiddy (Photo: courtesy Mike O’Connor)

 

St Agnes

(Including Goonown)

St Agnes Chapel “Big Chapel” (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1869: St Agnes New Connexion Sunday School: “… the children belonging to this school, held their annual tea treat. They marched in procession, headed by the Perranzabuloe Brass Band, from their school-room to the lawn and gardens of Mr W. N. Carne, Rosemundy, and from thence to the town …” (17 July 1869 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1888: “Goonown Band of Hope held their annual demonstration on Whit-Monday. In the afternoon a procession, headed by the Perranporth Brass Band, perambulated the neighbourhood and then proceeded to a field at Goonown where a public tea was provided …” (24 May 1888 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1901: “Goonown (St Agnes) Band of Hope held their annual festival. Accompanied by the Lanner Brass Band, the members paraded the streets, afterwards sitting down to tea…” (31 May 1901 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1904 July: Goonown Wesley Tea Treat Procession in Peterville, St Agnes (Photo: courtesy Paul Phillips)

Camborne Band take a breather as they descend St Agnes Town Hill

1905: “… Primitive Methodists of Crosscombe. St. Agnes held their annual tea-treat on Saturday. Camborne Town Band was in attendance and rendered selections of music during the afternoon and evening. …” (15 July 1905 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1908: St Agnes Wesleyan Tea Treat with St Agnes and Camborne Bands in Churchtown (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1908 St Agnes Band of Hope Tea Treat with St Agnes Band (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1908 St Agnes Band of Hope Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1909: St Agnes Wesleyan Tea Treat St Agnes Town Band (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

St Agnes Sunday School Tea Treat Procession in Peterville with St Agnes and Camborne Bands (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1910: Ladies from St Agnes Church Preparing the Tea (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1910: St Agnes Church of England Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

From the “Royal Cornwall Gazette” of the 17^th July 1869, we know that it was just a short journey for Perranzabuloe Brass Band when they travelled to St Agnes for the annual tea treat. The procession left the schoolroom and headed for the lawn and gardens of Mr W N Carne at Rosemundy. From there they paraded the town before enjoying the day’s events.

1872: “… scholars of the St. Agnes New Connexion Sunday school took tea in the chapel on Saturday afternoon last. The St Agnes Brass Band was in attendance.” (13 July 1872 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

The 1873 Goonown Wesleyan Sunday School was clearly a prestigious event with about 700 scholars and teachers attending. Led by Camborne Rifle Corps Band, the procession set off for and marched through the grounds of Mr Carne at Rosemundy and then to a field for tea and games. (Royal Cornwall Gazette 19^th July 1873)

Old Time Tay Trayts

Reminiscences of Saffron Cake and Sugary Tay

An issue of the “Tribune Review,” Butte City, gives the following sketch which will be read with interest by St Agnes and other readers.

“If there’s one thing more than another that I like to read about in the old country papers, it’s the tay trayts,” said Billy Rippin to his partner, Uncle Will Trevaskis, at the Pork and Beans mine the other night as the two cronies sat down to enjoy their midnight meal. “It recalls visions of saffron cake, sugary tay, mazzards with cabbage leaves for plates, rosy-faced maidens, kissing rings and music, bachelor weddings, and …”

“Hold on,” said Uncle Will, “don’t numerate any more, or not another blessed tap will I do to-night. I’ll never forget the last tay trayt I ‘tended. It recalls pleasures and it also opens up old wounds, wounds that will never heal, in fact lad, I never wish them to heal. First there was the procession headed with a man carrying a flag, followed by the village band consisting of eight able bodied men blawing liquid melody. The man who played the drum part had splendid muscular development and that drum, when the player was in good ‘ealth, could be heard from Higher Bal to Dirtypool. He was no ordinary drummer, and what he lacked in time he made in energy and could tap with one hand as with the other, and he’d never miss a beat. Then came the little tots in twos, brimming over with happiness and anticipation. Seems as though I can see them now trying to keep step to the music. Over the right shoulder every child wore a ribbon, at the end of the ribbon a cup. That cup meant business, Billy. Then came the grown-up scholars, most of them big enough to go courting. They were as likely a lot of young people as could be found in any country, Boy. The young women had rosy cheeks and were pictures of rugged health and happiness. The bracing air from the sea, Billy, paints the cheeks a prettier red than the stuff some women use from the drug stores. The young men were mostly pale. Working in the mines from early boyhood in poor air and powder smoke, and living on a fish diet, leaves its mark on the faces of the miners. I don’t know whether you ever thought of it, lad, but a very small per cent of the Cornish miners are buried in Cornwall. Conditions are against it. But I was speaking of a tay trayt. Through the village streets and lanes, the procession wended its way to a neighbouring field. Then the fun commenced. A sort of impromptu stage – l think impromptu was what they called it – was made out of a big wagon for the band. As best I can remember, Billy, the first piece they played was ‘Vital Spark’. I never could understand why they always played that piece, it’s neither an appetizer nor can one dance to it. By the time the band struggled through the heavy production and the bombardenist had wrestled successfully with the base runs for which that piece is noted, the tay drinkin’ was ready.

I tell thee, Billy, ’twas a bad sight for one troubled with dyspepsia. The children were formed in a circle seated on planks raised from the ground by big rocks. Once in a while a rock would slip out of place and there would be a scattering of saffron cakes, sugary tay and children. In one corner of the field two men were kept busy boiling reservoirs of tay. In the eyes of the children, the men who peddled out the cakes were heroes and only second in importance to the man who played the drum in the band. From the big wagon – l mean the band stand – ‘Rule Britannia’ rolled forth, and in perfect step and with healthy appetites, the school teachers marched into the circle where the children were doing things, and sat down at the tables to eat buttered buns, saffron cake and drink tay. The real enjoyable part of the affair, though, was after all the tay was drank and there were no more buns or cake in sight. People, you know are funnier on full stomachs than on empty ones. There were quite a few trees skirting that field, lad, but there weren’t enough trees to go around, that is to give each spoony couple a whole tree to sit under. Don’t you know, lad, it’s wonderful the amount of information young lovesick couple can give each other after being apart twelve hours. So it was that day. Every few feet there were couples saying soft things, looking soft things and eating mazzards from the same cabbage leaf. Then there were the kissing rings, Billy. By the way, were you ever guilty of being a party to a kissing ring, Billy?”

“Was I?” ejaculated Billy. “Well, while I never held a championship along those lines, I have osculated some.”

“Then you know something about it, lad,” said Uncle Will. “Some of the old folks joined in the rush at the kissing rings also. Don’t you know it’s surprising the energy they expended when running after some purty maid, but the real energy was expended when they caught her. The girls in Cornwall can run like a hungry mule after corn, but it ain’t hard to catch ’em, that is if they think anything of the party of the second part. The Cornish kissing ring is a preliminary test, lad, after which comes the parson and the banns. I’ve heerd said that marriages are arranged in heaven, but in Cornwall the kissing ring runs a close second. I remember a youngster who left his home the day after the tay trayt in question. With his maid, as fair as a little creature as God ever placed on this ‘ere earth, he monopolized one of those trees I was speaking about. ‘Going to America,’ said he, ‘but in four years from date we’ll marry and come the tay drinkin’. The next day he left.”

“Was he on time gittin’ back?” asked Billy.

“No cause for him to be on time, lad,” said Uncle Will. “Long before the four years were up, a long, straggling procession wended its way from the village by the sea to the cemetery on the hill. Loving hands carried all that was mortal of that little maid to the burying ground and tenderly laid her to rest. Sometimes she is with me in my dreams. Then again, when in the mines, surrounded by dangers seen and unseen, I feel her presence, for like a guardian angel, she is ever with me. I am he who pledged his troth to return in four years. I should have kept my pledge but return there and to find her gone – well, it wouldn’t be the same. The saffron cake wouldn’t be yeller, the sugary tay so sweet, the mazzards would look like aglets, there would no pop to the ginger, the music would be a dirge and the festival meaningless. Two score years have rushed into eternity since we plighted our troth at that tay trayt, Billy, but sleeping or wakin’, I see her as she looked then in all her virgin purity, as she looks to-day in heaven,” (Cornishman 31^st August 1905)

The St Agnes Wesleyan tea treat, in July 1909, was a huge event with both the St Agnes Town Band and the Truro Territorial Band taking part. The “Royal Cornwall Gazette” reported: “A large number of old scholars joined the procession. As it was part of the centenary celebrations, the school having been started in 1809, scholars under 18 years of age were given a free tea and officers, teachers and scholars were presented with a medal which was specially struck for the occasion. The two bands rendered a choice selection of instrumental music during the afternoon and evening.”

St Agnes Silver Band was at Goonown Band of Hope tea in May and also at Crosscoombe in July in 1910. On the 16^th July, the band combined with St Dennis Band and played at the St Agnes Wesleyan Sunday School tea when the weather was recorded as, “very unkind”. ⁽²⁾

1911 – 3rd August: St Agnes Church of England Tea Treat led by St Agnes Band (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1912: “… the tea treat was held in a field near the chapel, lent by Mr. G. C. Hancock, Coulterville. The teachers and children, headed by the Bugle Brass Band, paraded the principal streets, and the grounds of Rosemundy were thrown open to the school …” (11 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1912: Fraddon Temperance Band played at Goonown Band of Hope. “On Whit Monday members headed by Fraddon Coronation Band paraded the streets and had tea in a field lent by A Butson.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette 30^th May 1912)

1912: Illogan Band played under Revd H Oxland at St Agnes Wesleyan Sunday school tea. (Royal Cornwall Gazette 25^th July 1912)

1914: “… the Wesleyans, headed by the St Agnes Band and these were closely followed by the United Methodists, headed by the Camborne Town Band. After parading the village they returned to their schoolrooms, where tea was served …” (2 July 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)

With war clouds gathering, St Agnes Band of Hope festival in 1914 was held on Whit Monday. The “West Briton” in June reported, “The children met in Goonown Schoolroom, after a hymn and a prayer the children formed a procession headed by St Agnes Band and paraded the principal streets. Through the kindness of Mr and Mrs Adkin they were permitted to enter the beautiful grounds of Rosemundy. On returning to a field at Goonown lent by Mr A Butson, the children were provided with buns and at five o’clock a public tea was provided. Amongst those presiding over the tables were Mrs R Benney and the Misses I & M. Benney. In the flat race for boys up to 14 years P Benney came third.”

The St Agnes New Connexion tea treat in 1923 was held in the field adjoining the chapel: there was fine weather and the presence of St Agnes Town Band brought together a large number in the evening. (RCG July 1923) This New Connexion chapel closed and in 1925, it was sold to the Trevaunance Masonic Lodge.

1907: St Agnes New Connexion Tea Treat in the field next to the 1835 chapel (Photo: from “The Miner with A Camera” courtesy of Clive Benney)

1909: St Agnes Wesleyan Tea Treat with George Gerry (centre) selling his limpets (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

1911: St Agnes Church of England Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

St Ives Silver Band made the jaunt up the north coast to play for the St Agnes Wesleyan Sunday school tea treat in 1925. It was held in a field at Penwinnick, lent by Mr Stephens. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 23^rd July 1925)

1915: St Agnes Church of England Tea Treat

1919 St Agnes Church of England Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)

St Ives Silver Band made the jaunt up the north coast to play for the St Agnes Wesleyan Sunday school tea treat in 1925. It was held in a field at Penwinnick, lent by Mr Stephens. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 23^rd July 1925)

Cornish humour in a crisis

During the 1950s a young Peter (Nick) Thomas was at the St Agnes Wesleyan tea treat at Penwinnick and was clearly interested in everything that was going on. So much so that he wandered off and his mother became worried about him. Suddenly the band struck up “D’ye ken John Peel” and the lady with her said, “Don’t worry, Mrs Thomas, they’ve got the hounds out looking for ‘n now!”

 

St Allen

1885: St Allen Teetotal and Band of Hope Society held their annual treat. “The children were met at the Wesleyan Sunday School-room by the Indian Queens Brass Band, and after perambulating the village and neighbourhood, were regaled with tea and cake.” (22 May 1885 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1908: “In connection with the St. Allen Band of Hope Fete on Monday afternoons, the members the Band of Hope, headed by the St Agnes Town Band, paraded the district. Having enjoyed a good walk, they were ready for the excellent tea provided. …” (28 May 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

 

St Austell

Rob Evans of Pentewan Old Cornwall Society wrote, “The railway was noted for the annual Sunday school tea treat trains. During the summer months the churches and chapels around the area hired the railway for the afternoon and conveyed their scholars, family and teachers to Pentewan to partake in their tea treat by the sea.”

Wagons were cleaned and used for Sunday school outings

 

St Beacon

1910: “St Beacon Wesleyan Sunday school had their annual treat on Saturday. The weather was beautifully fine, and the Indian Queen’s Band played selections during the evening.” (23 June 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Blazey

1890: “…the 48th annual tea of the Ebenezer Bible Christian Sunday-school, St Blazey Gate, took place. Headed by the Bugle Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr Menear, bandmaster, they perambulated the village, …” (10 July 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1890: “Thursday last the children of the St Blazey Wesleyan Sunday School met for their annual tea-treat. Headed by the St Blazey Brass Band under the conductorship of Mr Samuel Viol (bandmaster), they perambulated the surrounding area…” (31 July 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

“The undoubted master postcard photographer of the Cornish Methodist tea treat table group was Edwardian cameraman S Dalby-Smith of St Blazey. Here is one of his superb images from my collection taken on Whit Monday 1907 of the St Blazey Wesleyan Chapel treat bunfight. Just check out the little lad at bottom left stuffing his face with his tea treat bun and the two next to him sipping their tea. There is a lot of character in many of the faces, but the striking thing is the very narrow, almost improvised table for the food and drink. There is not a lot of room for the comestibles! A glimpse back into the vanished social history of 113 years ago. Many of the adults have held up their infants to be recorded by the camera. A classic image.” (David Thomas written in 2020)

Another photograph from S Dalby Smith. “Here’s one of the very best of his from my collection with the members of the St Blazey Wesleyan chapel posing around the table in about 1907. The hats are quite extraordinary and are of the ‘fruit bowl’ type.” (David Thomas written in 2020)

 

St Breward

1872: St Breward Temperance Society: “… The members of the Band of Hope met at three o’clock, and headed by the Blisland and St Breward United Temperance Band perambulated the village until four o’clock, when tea was served in the Bible Christian schoolroom…” (22 June 1872 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Buryan

1886: St Buryan Wesleyan Sunday School: “…a public tea was provided in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday-school, which a goodly number partook. The St Buryan Independent Brass Band was present during the tea and added much to the pleasure of the occasion…” (14 January 1886 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1895: Drift Brass Band played at St Buryan Wesleyan Sunday school tea treat. (John Brush)

 

St Cleer

1902: St Cleer Band of Hope: “… Railway Terrace Bible Christians was held on Wednesday week. The children marched through the village, headed by the Liskeard Temperance Band. A tea in the field was well patronised, and the evening meeting in the chapel was crowded…” (4 September 1902 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Columb

At St Columb, in 1878, the scholars were “regaled with a plentiful supply of tea and cake”. So wrote the “Royal Cornwall Gazette” of the 28^th June from where we note that the St Issey Brass Band was in attendance.

1907: St Columb: “The annual Band of Hope tea was held at Blackcross, St. Columb, on Good Friday. The children and officials met at two o’clock, and, headed by Queens Brass Band, marched to Trevarren, St. Columb-road, …” (4 April 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1908: St Columb Band of Hope: “The 39th annual Band of Hope tea was held at Black Cross on Good Friday, when a large number of boys and officers, headed by Queens Brass Band, marched to Carworgie, where they were heartily received by Mr. H. J. Bowse, and returned to the field, where tea was provided …” (23 April 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

St Columb (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

 

St Columb Minor

1883: St Columb Minor Parish Church: “… At 3.00 they left, headed by the St Columb Minor Brass Band, for Porth Veor, where they had their annual tea, A very pleasant evening was spent, …” (17 August 1883 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Day & Gwennap

1880: Hicks Mill Band played at St Day Primitive Methodists Sunday school treat. (John Brush)

1920: “St Day & Gwennap … it was inclement weather and tea was served in the schoolroom; there was also a public tea for teachers and friends which followed. Carharrack Brass Band was in attendance. The sports had to be postponed, but the children indulged in indoor games.” (8 July 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1945: Scorrier Street Methodist Sunday School: “… Assembling at the schoolroom a procession, led by the officers (Messrs. J. Eva and L. Wills) and Carharrack and St Day Silver Band, paraded the streets and Vogue, returning to the playing field where the children were served with buns and tea. …” (30 August 1945 – Cornishman)

1947: “St Day Feast … a shilling for each child of school age. The children, led by the community council and Carharrack and St Day Silver Band, paraded the streets and Vogue. 380 shillings were distributed, and tea and 400 buns were served. …” (19 June 1947 – Cornishman)

 

St Dennis

1869: St Dennis and St Stephen Band of Hope Society: “… After the tea the children joined in various games, and the old established St Dennis Brass Band played some excellent pieces. In the evening a public meeting was held in the same place, …” (14 August 1869 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1887: St Dennis United Methodist Sunday School: “… met in the school-room at half-past one and received a medal each, when they formed in procession, headed by the St Dennis and Indian Queens Brass Bands, and marched to the church green, where each scholar received a new silver coin as jubilee souvenir. …” (29 July 1887 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

St Dennis Rechabites 1919 (Adrian Wilson)

1919: St Dennis Rechabite Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Joan Simmons)

 

St Dominick

1872: St Dominick National School: “The children and others then partook of tea in the school- room; and at 7.30 pm. a concert was given by the St Dominick Brass Band and St Dominick Church choir, assisted by Mrs Saarle, of Stokeclimsland, who sang two songs very tastefully…” (28 December 1872 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Erth

1901: “St Erth Wesleyan Band of Hope on Saturday afternoon, held its annual tea. Headed by the Deveral Brass Band, under Mr Thomas Pascoe, the members (numbering about 170) marched round the village. …” (30 May 1901 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1928: “… St Erth Band of Hope, large gathering met in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, and afterwards paraded the village, headed by the St Erth Silver Band. Tea was served in the schoolroom from 4 to 6 p.m., and was well attended…” (13 June 1928 – Cornishman)

1937: “St. Erth Band of Hope held their tea treat on Saturday. The Hayle Silver Band was in attendance.” (17 June 1937 – Cornishman)

 

St Eval

1878: St Eval United Methodist Free Church Sunday School: “… The scholars were regaled with a plentiful supply of tea and cake. The St Issey Brass Band was in attendance.” (28 June 1878 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Germoe

1877: St Germoe Church Sunday School tea treat: “… The children, to the number of about 70, assembled at the Church at 4 p.m., and, headed by the Germoe Amateur Brass Band, marched down to Praa Sands. Here they were regaled with a plentiful supply of tea and cake …” (31 August 1877 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St George’s United Methodist Free Church (Truro)

1911: St George’s United Methodist Free Church Tea Treat

“The Sunday school anniversaries were special occasions. The annual tea treat followed a service. Cakes were supplied by Mr Blewett and groceries by Mr Pill and 5s was spent on sweets for the children. Permission from the Board of Guardians was obtained for the workhouse children to attend.” (Edwardian Truro)

1910: “… the treat took the form of a river trip on the ‘Queen of the Fal’ to Trefusis and back (total cost £6). A limited number of tickets were issued to parents and friends at 1s 6d each including tea. Teachers had to pay for the trip and the Band of Hope was asked to cover the cost of entertaining the Workhouse children.” (Edwardian Truro)

 

St Hilary

1921: “St Hilary Wesleyans held their Sunday school festival on Saturday. Headed by the superintendents, Hayle Comrades Band, the teachers and scholars marched around the district…” (27 July 1921 – Cornishman)

 

St Issey

At St Issey in 1898, the tea treat procession was formed in Churchtown and comprised officers, teachers, and scholars. St Issey Brass Band headed the assembled party which “… after perambulating the village, marched to a field, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Cock”. (Royal Cornwall Gazette) 28^th July 1898)

1908: “St Issey Teetotal Society held their summer festival on Friday. The children met in the schoolroom, and having formed in procession, headed by Queens Brass Band, marched to Trevance and Little Petherick, returning to the schoolroom, where they were regaled with tea and cake. …” (11 June 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Ive

1869: St Ive Church Sunday School Treat: “… exerting themselves to make the scholars happy and distributing the prizes to the successful competitors. The Pensilva Brass Band, noted for their excellent playing, were present, giving their services gratuitously…” (17 July 1869 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Ives

1883: St Ives Band of Hope: “… chapels, and afterwards united one procession of nearly 1,200 children, and, accompanied by the Towednack and Trencrom Bands, paraded the streets. After the children had been provided with the tea and bun …” (30 June 1883 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1893: St Ives Temperance Society: “… New Connexion Chapel … the Rev. T Richards (Wesleyan). In the afternoon there was the usual procession, headed by the Hayle Town Band. Despite the wet weather there was a large attendance at the public tea. …” (9 February 1893 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1899: “St. Ives Bible Christians and Primitive Methodist Sunday-schools had their annual tea treats on Wednesday in delightful weather. The Town Band was engaged for both schools. Hayle Artillery Band also accompanied the Primitive Methodist children.” (29 June 1899 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1911: “… Sunday School tea was held on Tuesday afternoon at Carthow, St. Ives. The procession was accompanied by the St Ives Town and Lelant Town Bands. The weather was everything that could be desired.” (6 July 1911 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1949:  St Ives Primitive Sunday School Tea Treat at Man’s Head with Edna Williams, Penny Williams and Marlene Plummer. (Photo: courtesy Paul Turner)

1960s: St Ives Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

1960s-70s: The procession at the Corner of High Street and Tregenna Place (Photo: courtesy Sylvia Rule – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: The Procession at the bottom of Street an Pol (Photo: courtesy Sylvia Rule – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: On the steps of the Church in Fore Street (Photo: courtesy Sylvia Rule – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: (Photo: courtesy Val Thomas – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: (Photo: courtesy Val Thomas – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: (Photo: courtesy Val Thomas – St Ives OCS)

1960s: A tea treat on Carbis Bay Beach (Photo: courtesy Sylvia Rule – St Ives OCS)

1960s-70s: The Procession at the Bottom of Tregenna Place (Photo: courtesy Sylvia Rule – St Ives OCS)

1970s-80s: (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

1970s-80s: (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

1970s-80s: (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

1970s-80s: (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

1970s-80s: (Photo: courtesy Ian Delve)

“The last full-on parade through St Ives was in 2013 and I’d say that it’s unlikely to be repeated due to logistical issues. It needed formal road closures at what is a busy time of year and there is a general dwindling of young churchgoers. The event in the video was a combination of the churches. Before then, the individual Sunday schools held their own and they were small events on the harbour beach. With no band, you would struggle to notice them amongst the other beachgoers.” (Tony Mason)

 

In 2019 St Ives revived the celebration of its tea treat after many years and Tony Mason was there to capture it for St Ives Archive. Our thanks to him for allowing us to include his video in this project.

 

St Just

1950s: St Just Tea Treat (Photo courtesy Paul Phillips)

 

St Just-In-Roseland

1883: St Just-In-Roseland: “The Wesleyans had their annual tea on Monday. The Feock Brass Band was in attendance, and everything passed off most pleasantly.” (13 July 1883 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Keverne

1858: St Keverne Sunday Schools annual tea treat: “… At 3 p.m., the children, headed by a number of the parishioners, and led by the Wheal Vor Brass Band, having perambulated the village, &c., marched in presence of a large assemblage of the neighbourhood through the gardens …” (17 July 1858 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser)

1860: “The annual tea festival of St Keverne Church Sunday school came off as usual on Tuesday the 5^th inst. At 8 o’clock ‘the flag that braved a thousand years’ unfolded itself to the gentle breeze … At 3.00pm., from the schoolroom the Crowan Brass Band led off the children bearing a number of pretty little flags …” (RCG 13^th July 1860)

 

St Leven

1910: St Leven Wesleyan Band of Hope: “… marched to Porthcurno headed by Trewellard Band. Returning to the school they were regaled with tea and buns… various games were indulged in…” (9 June 1910 – The Cornish Telegraph)

 

St Luke’s, Bodmin Moor

Cedric Appleby refers to this chapel holding their tea treat at Dozmary Pool – “as late as 1968 and 1969”.

 

St Mawes

1880: St Mawes Wesleyan Sunday school: “The Annual Gathering … took place on Monday. The teachers and children formed a procession and headed by the Penryn Royal Volunteers’ Band, preceded to the splendid grounds of J C Kennerley, Esq…” (15 July 1880 – Cornishman)

1888: St Mawes Wesleyan: “On Monday the teachers and children paraded the town, as usual, accompanied by the St Mawes Band, after which tea was served in the schoolroom, when a good company sat down…” (14 June 1888 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Mawgan

1903: St Mawgan Wesleyan Band of Hope: “…a public tea in connection with the Wesleyan Band of Hope. The children met in the chapel, and headed by the Queens Brass Band, under Bandmaster C Tamblyn, perambulated the village. Afterwards the sports were held in the Long Moor …” (30 July 1903 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

St Newlyn East

1870: Newlyn East: “The Band of Hope Festival was held at this place. At 3 o’clock the procession formed at the Wesleyan Chapel, and headed by the Summercourt Band, paraded the various streets, and then went to the Amphitheatre, when the members and several others partook of tea …” (29 April 1870 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1871: St Newlyn East: “…the children and committee perambulated the Church-town with other members of the temperance society, headed by the Indian Queen’s Band. Afterwards they proceeded to a field kindly lent by Mr W Rowe and partook of a sumptuous tea. …” (6 May 1871 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1912: Newyln East Wesleyan: “… Tea was served in the pit, and the remainder of the evening was spent in games. Selections were rendered by Newlyn East Brass Band, who have made rapid progress.” (27 June 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

 

St Stephen-in-Brannel

St Stephen-in-Brannel Band of Hope Banner (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

1869: St Dennis and St Stephen Band of Hope Society: “… After the tea the children joined in various games, and the old established St Dennis Brass Band played some excellent pieces. In the evening a public meeting was held in the same place, …” (14 August 1869 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1899: “St Stephen-in-Brannel Feast. …was provided in a tent, and the usual tea on the rectory grounds followed, which was exceedingly well patronised. Bugle Brass Band was in attendance all the afternoon. In the evening an open-air entertainment on the lawn was well attended, …” (17 August 1899 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1905 circa: St Stephen-in-Brannel (Photo: courtesy Malcolm Gould / China Clay History Society)

St Stephen Churchtown Feast (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

1910: St Stephen Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

1910: St Stephen Outing (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

1915: St Stephen-in-Brannel Band of Hope Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Malcolm Gould / China Clay History Society)

1915: St Stephen-in-Brannel Band of Hope Tea Treat (Photo: courtesy Malcolm Gould / China Clay History Society)

 

St Stythians

1920: “Stithians Wesleyan Band of Hope held their annual tea treat on Thursday. The procession, headed by Porkellis Reed and Brass Band, paraded the village, visited the grounds of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Simmons, Grellow House, and returned to a field …” (29 July 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

Lesley Saunders refers to her many happy memories of the 1960s Sunday school tea treat at St Stythians Parish Church. “The coach collected us from the village and we travelled to St Ives. Then a walk down to Porthminster Beach to sit around the little tents we’d booked. The day was ours with our family and friends. Our parents would get their teas and coffees on a tray from the little shop. At about three o’clock, we children would gather to receive our big saffron tea treat bun and a small bottle of pop. I’m not sure what time we left the beach but it felt like a long walk to the old coach park for our journey home. These are all happy childhood memories.” She added, “In 1985 it was still taking place at St Ives but my son and I travelled by car.” (Facebook response)

 

St Teath

1901: “Bible Christians of St Teath continued their Sunday-school Anniversary on Saturday. The children met in a field lent by Mr. Mewton. The Delabole Brass Band was in attendance, under Mr. J. I. Smith. The children were provided with tea, and afterwards enjoyed themselves …” (11 July 1901 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

Scorrier

1919: Scorrier Wesleyan Tea Treat

Peter Malindine’s wife, Valerie, and her family moved from Radnor to Shallow Adit in about 1937 and she remembers going to the tea treat at Scorrier Chapel, but cannot recall whether she and her sister were members of the Sunday school there. Non-members could attend but had to pay for their tea treat bun. She said, “St Day Band was in attendance and marched from the chapel up towards Mt Ambrose and back. My Mother was dressed in her Sunday best and walked beside the procession.” (* For more about Peter Malindine see Silverwell)

Gene Missen recalled Scorrier Chapel tea treats in the early 1940s being one of the highlights of her childhood. “We started with a procession around the village led by a band. The children were then given a saffron bun (Glassons of Redruth supplied these) and sugary tea brought round in big pitchers. This was followed by tea and cakes for the adults. In the evening, the youngsters would all join in games. One of the favourites was the Kissing Ring. Happy days. I can’t give you a specific date when things changed from the traditional tea treat in the chapel grounds, but it later became popular for our Sunday school to hold their tea treats at Carbis Bay, on the beach. Even so, saffron buns were still provided for us children.”

1973: Scorrier Tea Treat Procession making its Way Through the Lanes

 

Seworgan

In response to a Facebook request for information, Christine Cumber wrote: “I remember the tea treats at Seworgan in the 1950s where I grew up. It was always held on the first Wednesday in August. We would march around the village behind a local band (usually Constantine, Gweek, or Wendron). We would all be given big tea treat saffron buns which I think came from Bordeaux’ Bakery at Praze. My son was born on 4th August 1976, during the tea treat, and afterwards was referred to as ‘the tea treat boy’. There were sports for the children with egg and spoon, sack, and three-legged races. There was a fancy-dress competition, greasy pole, and sheaf pitching as well. It was one of the highlights of the year and brought all the village together. We also had an annual Sunday school outing to St Ives or Newquay but latterly to Marazion, in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the chapel closed in 1987 and was converted into a dwelling.”

 

Sheffield

1883: Sheffield Free Sunday School: “On Saturday afternoon trustees, officers, teachers and scholars formed a procession at the school, and, headed by the Paul Brass Band, led by Mr S Richards, marched by way of Ragennis to Mousehole, and at the churchtown passed through the gardens of the Vicar and Mr Josiah Wright …” (7 June 1883 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1890: “Sheffield Free Sunday-school held their anniversary on Sunday, … Saturday, the children, in procession headed by the Paul Brass Band in their smart new uniforms, visited Mousehole and were on their return regaled with cake and tea in the schoolroom…” (5 June 1890 – Cornishman)

 

Silverwell

Silverwell Chapel (Photo: Tony Mansell)

1903: “Silverwell Band of Hope. The festival was Saturday… The Mount Hawke Fife and Drum Band were in attendance and rendered various selections during the afternoon and evening…” (26 June 1903 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

During the Second World War, Peter and Margaret Malindine were evacuated from West Middlesex to Cornwall: they lived with the Odgers family in the small and very scattered village of Silverwell. They were there from 1941 to 1945 and during that time Peter can only recall one tea treat at Silverwell Chapel. He said, “I think that the adults tried to make the occasion for the children by organising some races or other competitive activities but there were not many children living locally and I cannot remember how successful they were. There had been a trickle of evacuees returning to their English homes from 1941 onwards so the organisers of the occasion were to be commended for their effort. We got on well with the local children and were made welcome by them and their parents. The trestle tables for the tea were carried from a store under the chapel or from the Sunday school room, through the small connecting gate and into the field where everything was taking place. Tea was made in the chapel and carried out to the field in large white enamel jugs.” Peter thinks that the tea treat buns were bought in, possibly from Deuces’ Chacewater Steam Bakery, and they were big. “As big as dinner plates,” recalled Margaret. Peter said that the tea treat was new to them but this one was very small with no brass band and no procession around the village.

A very personal account of an important day in one young boy’s life. “It was in 1951 that we moved from Looe to the village of Silverwell. Once settled, we had to decide whether Mum would have her way that my brother and I would join the Anglicans at Mithian Church or if our Dad’s choice of Methodism would gain sway. Having initially followed Mum’s advice, it took an important village event to change our minds. It was to be the little Wesleyan chapel for us, just a stone’s throw from where we lived, and it was to have a huge influence on our young lives.

We had been told that the event was about to take place. We were not then members of the chapel Sunday school but we had heard that this was to be a fun event – a tea treat – and we were both keen to attend. I seem to remember an open invitation but we were both nervous as we had yet to meet and make friends with the local children. Our desire to join in, however, overcame our reticence and we made our way to a point in the village where we knew that the tea treat procession would pass. Hiding behind some bushes in a garden we waited until we spotted the large group on its return journey, heading back up the hill on its way back to the chapel. Use of the word ‘hiding’ is a bit misleading as we had ‘concealed’ ourselves in such a way that we were bound to be seen. It was Arthur Chapman who spotted the two ‘trespassers’ in his garden. He stopped the procession and persuaded us to join them.

The parade was led by men carrying a large banner and immediately behind them was a brass band. I have checked the newspapers to try and discover which band was playing that day but have not managed to discover which it was. It may well have been St Agnes Silver Band which my brother and I later joined and played with at more tea treats than we could possibly count. Behind the band were the children, all well-dressed and determined to enjoy themselves. Bringing up the rear were the adults.

This was an amazing introduction to chapel life for these five and eight-year-old siblings and the day was probably the most exciting of our young lives. Having remembered our introduction so vividly I have to concede that the day flew by and I have little recollection of the detail of when we arrived back at the chapel but I can remember that we made friends, played games, took part in the races, listened to the band (the beginning of my lifetime addiction to brass bands), ate a huge saffron bun and still had room for a couple of jam and cream splits. What a tale to tell when we finally returned home.” (Tony Mansell)

“There was always great excitement at the arrival of the band. I remember this as a Sunday school member and as a bandsman playing at a huge number of tea treats in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Depending how far the players had to travel, it was by coach or, particularly in later years, by car.” (Tony Mansell)

Cathleen Nicholls recalled, “Tea treat was always held at the end of July when we hired a band and marched through Silverwell, banners and all. We then returned to the field adjoining the chapel for tea treat buns. There was tea for the band and for the public and in the evening the band played a concert and ended with the Serpentine march. When the band became too expensive they decided to go on a trip instead but that didn’t catch on.” ⁽⁴⁾

 

Sithney

1879: Sithney Wesleyan Sunday School: “… The children, with their teachers and friends, met at the schoolroom, from whence, headed by the Porthleven Band, they marched to Trevarno, the seat of Mr W Bickford-Smith, which was kindly thrown open to them.” (7 August 1879 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

Cedric Appleby states that the children of Sithney Wesleyan Sunday school went to Antron to enjoy their tea treats and were given “not only tea and a bun but also an orange, which is an interesting addition to the usual practice”. Unusual, perhaps, but not unique as the children at Mithian also enjoyed this additional treat.

 

Skinners Bottom

The annual tea treat at Skinners Bottom was held on the Saturday before August Bank Holiday (first Monday in August) and a newspaper report in 1908 describes the route. “From the chapel they marched down the hill towards Mount Hawke where the band played at the end of the road. They then turned left to Ivy Chimney where the band played on the triangle of grass (now gone). From here they marched back to Skinners Bottom for the tea treat.”

1908 circa: Skinners Bottom Wesleyan Tea Treat

1908 circa: Skinners Bottom Wesleyan Tea Treat

A report in 1911 says the Skinners Bottom Sunday School, which was established in 1860, was holding its tea treat in Will Rowe’s field, opposite the chapel. In later years, this event was a favourite engagement for St Agnes Silver Band when the refreshments were remembered as being particularly delicious. ⁽³⁾

 

Stenalees

“Stenalees Area” tea treat with a large ornate copper water holder with tap at the bottom of the picture (Photo courtesy David Thomas)

 

Summercourt

1876: “Summercourt Bible Christian Sabbath School first anniversary services were conducted by J the Rev. W. Husband. On Monday afternoon the teachers and children, preceded by the excellent Brass Band of Queens, visited the famous pleasure grounds of Mrs Basset of Pencorse after which they returned to a meadow …” (15 July 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

 

^{End notes:}

• ^{Cedric Appleby quotes are taken from his paper “Methodist Tea-Treats in Cornwall” written for the Cornwall Association of Local Historians Journal No. 58 Autumn 2009}
• ^{“Mithian” (ISBN 0-9545583-0-8) by Tony Mansell (Trelease Publications – out of print)}
• ^{“St Agnes and its Band” (ISBN 0-9545583-1-6) by Tony Mansell (Trelease Publications – obtainable from St Agnes Silver Band)}
• ^{“Blackwater and Its Neighbours” (ISBN 0-9545583-4-0) by Clive Benney and Tony Mansell (Trelease Publications – out of print)}